Vehicle light assembly

ABSTRACT

A vehicle includes a light assembly and an electric control module. The light assembly is assembled to an underbody of the vehicle. The light assembly has a light bar and an image projector. The light bar has a plurality of first light sources. The image projector has a housing that is fitted to a longitudinal end of the light bar. The housing has a circuit board and an emitting portion that houses a second light source. The circuit board is electrically connected to the second light source to regulate electric current to the light source. The electric control module is electrically connected to the light bar and the circuit board to provide electrical power to both the light bar and the image projector.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser.No. 16/540,399, filed Aug. 14, 2019. The entire disclosure of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/540,399, filed Aug. 14, 2019 is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a vehicle light assembly.More specifically, the present invention relates to a vehicle lightassembly for illuminating an exterior area of the vehicle.

Background Information

Vehicles can be equipped with welcome lights that include interior andexterior lights of a vehicle. For example, interior map lights arewelcome lights that illuminate upon the vehicle has been unlocked orabout to be unlocked. Additionally, vehicles can include exterior lightsthat illuminate when the vehicle is unlocked or about to be unlocked.Exterior lights can illuminate external areas that are in the vicinityof the vehicle. Exterior lights can include image projectors thatproject images such as the vehicle's logo or emblem.

SUMMARY

In view of the state of the known technology, one aspect of the presentdisclosure is to provide a vehicle comprising a light assembly and anelectric control module. The light assembly is assembled to an underbodyof the vehicle. The light assembly has a light bar and an imageprojector. The light bar has a plurality of first light sources. Theimage projector has a housing that is fitted to a longitudinal end ofthe light bar. The housing has a circuit board and an emitting portionthat houses a second light source. The circuit board is electricallyconnected to the second light source to regulate electric current to thelight source. The electric control module is electrically connected tothe light bar and the circuit board to provide electrical power to boththe light bar and the image projector.

In view of the state of the known technology, another aspect of thepresent disclosure is to provide a vehicle light assembly comprising alight bar and an image projector. The light bar is configured to beassembled to an underbody of a vehicle. The light bar has a plurality offirst light sources extending from the light bar at a first angle withrespect to the underbody of the vehicle. The image projector has ahousing that is fitted to a longitudinal end of the light bar. Thehousing has a circuit board and an emitting portion that houses a secondlight source and a lens stack. The emitting portion extends from thehousing at a second angle with respect to the underbody of the vehiclethat is different from the first angle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a vehiclelight assembly of the illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a portion of the vehicleillustrated in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 2 , with a rockerpanel trim and a vehicle light assembly exploded from the vehicle body;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the vehicle light assemblyillustrated in FIG. 3 having a light bar and an image projector;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the vehicle light assemblyillustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 with the image projector installed onto thelight bar;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the image projector illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the image projector illustrated inFIG. 6 ; and

FIG. 8 is a light system of the vehicle having the light assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to thedrawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments areprovided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting theinvention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , a vehicle 10 equipped with a light system 12is illustrated according to one embodiment of the invention. The vehicle10 includes a vehicle body 14, a front door 16 (illustrated as driver'sside), a rear door 18 (illustrated as driver's side), a rocker panel 20and a rocker panel trim 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the rockerpanel 20 and the rocker panel trim 22 are considered vehicle body 14components of the vehicle 10 that at least partially define an underbody24 of the vehicle 10. Although the light system 12 is illustrated asbeing disposed on the driver's side of the vehicle 10, it will beapparent to those skilled in the vehicle field from this disclosure thatthe rocker panel 20 and the vehicle 10 can include an additional rockerpanel 20 (not shown) and rocker panel trim 22 (not shown) extendingalong the passenger's side, which can be similarly equipped withcomponents of the light system 12 of the illustrated embodiment.

The underbody 24 defines an outer perimeter P of the vehicle 10. In theillustrated embodiment, the vehicle 10 further includes a light assembly26 that is part of the light system 12. The light system 12 drawselectrical power for operating the light assembly 26 from the electricalsystem for the vehicle 10. For example, the light assembly 26 iselectrically connected to a welcome light control module WCU of thevehicle 10 that powers the light assembly 26 with electrical power fromthe vehicle's 10 electrical system. In the illustrated embodiment, thelight system 12 further comprises interior map lights ML, bestillustrated schematically in FIG. 8 . The interior map lights ML arewelcome lights configured to illuminate upon detecting an activationsignal that signifies that the vehicle 10 is in a predeterminedcondition. In the illustrated embodiment, the predetermined condition isat least one of a condition in which the vehicle 10 has transitionedfrom a locked state to an unlocked state, and a condition in which thevehicle 10 is about to be transitioned from the locked state to theunlocked state. The operation of the light system 12 will be furtherdiscussed below.

The light assembly 26 illuminates an illuminated area IL that isexterior of the vehicle 10. In particular, the illuminated area IL islocated beneath the underbody 24 and also the vicinity of the outerperimeter P of the vehicle 10. The illuminated area IL can extend thelength of the vehicle's 10 side and can encompass the area locateddirectly beneath underbody 24, the area located inboard of the perimeterP and the area located outboard of the perimeter P. Therefore, theilluminated area IL can include the ground that is located beneath theunderbody 24 and in the vicinity of the outer perimeter P of the vehicle10. While the illuminated area IL is illustrated as being projected nearthe driver's side of the vehicle 10, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the vehicle field that the light assembly 26 can beimplemented with the passenger's side to illuminate the ground in thevicinity of the passenger's side. It will be further apparent to thoseskilled in the vehicle field from this disclosure that while the lightassembly 26 is illustrated as illuminating the ground in the vicinity ofthe driver's side doors, it will be apparent to those skilled in thevehicle field from this disclosure that the light assembly 26 canilluminate different external areas that are in the vicinity of thevehicle 10 as needed and/or desired.

The light assembly 26 of the illustrated embodiment can be considered anunderglow light assembly 26 or ground effects that is attached to theunderbody 24 or beneath the chassis of the vehicle 10. In theillustrated embodiment, the light assembly 26 is disposed between therocker panel trim 22 and the rocker panel 20. The light assembly 26projects light from the rocker panel trim 22 towards the illuminatedarea IL. The light assembly 26 is oriented and/or constructed toilluminate the illuminated area IL either alone or in combination withthe vehicle's 10 exterior lights (e.g., taillights or parking lights).It will be apparent to those skilled in the vehicle field from thisdisclosure that the light assembly 26 can be implemented to illuminatethe illuminated area IL by itself or in combination with other exteriorlights of the vehicle 10.

The rocker panel 20 is a rigid panel preferably made of a durablematerial, such as stamped steel. The rocker panel 20 extendslongitudinally along the front and rear doors 16 and 18 and is disposedbelow the front and rear doors 16 and 18. The rocker panel 20 extendsbetween a front wheel well W1 and a rear wheel well W2 along the bottomsides of the vehicle 10. The rocker panel 20 forms the juncture of theunderbody 24 with the front and rear doors 16 and 18 and at leastpartially defines the outer perimeter P of the vehicle 10. It will beapparent to those skilled in the vehicle field that the vehicle 10additionally includes a passenger's side rocker panel 20 (not shown)that also at least partially defines the outer perimeter P of thevehicle 10.

The rocker panel trim 22 is a rigid piece of plastic or metal trim thatis placed over the rocker panel 20. The rocker panel trim 22 is fixedlyattached to the rocker panel 20 by any suitable fastening means toconceal or cover all or a portion of the rocker panel 20. As shown inFIG. 3 , the light assembly 26 is assembled between the rocker panel 20and the rocker panel trim 22. More specifically, in the illustratedembodiment, the light assembly 26 is installed to the rocker panel 20.The light assembly 26 is preferably mounted such that the light assembly26 is substantially or entirely enclosed by the rocker panel trim 22.Accordingly, the components of the light assembly 26 are protected fromenvironmental conditions or debris by the rocker panel trim 22.Preferably, the rocker panel trim 22 includes apertures (not shown) thatcorrespond to the positions of the light sources L1 of the lightassembly 26 such that projected light is emitted through the apertures.Preferably, the light sources L1 include lens (not shown) that are sizedand dimensioned for a snug fit in the apertures to enclose the aperturesand further protect the other components of the light assembly 26.

The light assembly 26 is made and configured for quick and easyinstallation to one or both sides of the vehicle as needed and/ordesired. The light assembly 26 can be sold as an aftermarket accessorythat is subsequently installed to the vehicle at the purchaser's wishes.

The light assembly 26 operates to illuminate the illuminated area ILthat is the vicinity of the rocker panel 20 and the rocker panel trim22. Therefore, the light assembly 26 of the illustrated embodiment ismounted at the underbody 24 of the vehicle 10 for illuminating theilluminated area IL in the vicinity of the vehicle 10.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 , the light assembly 26 has a light bar 28and an image projector 30. The light bar 28 includes a fixed structure32 and light sources L1 that are long-life LEDs disposed on the fixedstructure 32 via base members 28A. The light sources L1 are preferablyshielded in the base members 28A by rubber isolators (not shown)designed to reduce vibrations and will improve component life.Therefore, the light bar 28 includes at least one light L1 that ispreferably an LED. For simplicity, the light sources L1 willalternatively be referred to as LEDs L1. In other words, the light bar28 includes a plurality of lights that are LEDs L1, with each of theplurality of lights L1 including a light source that is a LED L1. TheLEDs L1 can be surface-mount LEDs configured to emit light with any of avariety of colors, color temperatures or other properties.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the light bar 28 is configured toilluminate a first external area A1 that is in the vicinity of thevehicle 10. As shown, the first external area A1 is part of theilluminated area IL. The fixed structure 32 of the light bar 28 isconfigured to be assembled the rocker panel 20. In other words, thefixed structure 32 is configured to be assembled to a vehicle body 14component of the vehicle 10. As shown, the fixed structure 32 is anelongated member. The LEDs L1 are distributed along the longitudinallength of the fixed structure 32. The LEDs L1 are fixed to the fixedstructure 32 and is configured to illuminate the first external area A1that is in the vicinity of the vehicle 10. The fixed structure 32 can befastened to the rocker panel 20 by any suitable means, such as byadhesive, tape, fastener(s), clip(s), clamp(s) or via snap-fitconnection(s). In the illustrated embodiment, the fixed structure 32 isfastened to the rocker panel 20 via a clamp C.

The fixed structure 32 can also be configured to function as anauxiliary mounting component for the light assembly 26. For example, thefixed structure 32 can emit and/or distribute light produced by the LEDsL1 of the light assembly 26. The fixed structure 32 can also includefeatures for effecting a light distribution of the light assembly 26.For example, the fixed structure 32 can be configured to distribute thelight produced by the LEDs L1 and projected towards the first externalarea A1. For example, the fixed structure 32 can include one or moreangled facet(s) that can distribute light produced by the LEDs L1 atdifferent desired angles. Additionally, the fixed structure 32 caninclude reflective material to deflect light across the underbody 24 andaround the outer perimeter P of the vehicle. In the illustratedembodiment, while the light bar 28 is illustrated as including five LEDsL1 distributed along the fixed structure 32, it will be apparent tothose skilled in the vehicle field from this disclosure that the numberand spacing of the LEDs L1 of the light assembly 26 can vary as neededand/or desired.

As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the LEDs L1 or lights are fixed to thefixed structure 32 at a first location P1 and the image projector 30 isfixed to the fixed structure 32 at a second location P2 that isdifferent from the first location P1. The image projector 30 is fixed tothe fixed structure 32 and is configured to project an image onto thesecond external area A2. In the illustrated embodiment, the imageprojector 30 is a logo projector that projects a logo or emblem (e.g.,the projected image) of the vehicle 10. However, it will be apparent tothose in the vehicle field from this disclosure that the image projector30 can project other types of images (e.g., the date or timeinformation) and/or messages (e.g., “welcome”).

The image projector 30 is configured to project an image in a secondexternal area A2 that is in the vicinity of the first external area A1.As shown, the first and second external areas A1 and A2 are adjacent toeach other. Additionally, the first and second external areas A1 and A2can overlap with one another. In other words, the image projector 30 canproject the image onto an area that is illuminated by the light bar 28.Thus, the second external area A2 is part of the illuminated area IL.The lights L1 of the light bar 28 and the image projector 30 areconfigured to illuminate the first and second external areas A1 and A2in concert. The light bar 28 and the image projector 30 will bediscussed in further detail below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the image projector 30 is fixed to thelight bar 28, as best seen in FIGS. 3 to 5 . Specifically, the imageprojector 30 is fixed to an end of the fixed structure 32 byconventional means, such as via one or more fasteners F. The fasteners Fare bolts connecting the image projector 30 to the end of the light bar28. As shown, the fixed structure 32 includes a first longitudinal end32A and a second longitudinal end 32B. The image projector 30 is mountedto the first end 32A of the fixed structure 32. Alternatively speaking,the image projector 30 is mounted to a longitudinal end of the light bar28. In the illustrated embodiment, the image projector 30 is mounted tothe first end 32A that is a car forward end. As shown, the first end 32Ais disposed below the driver's side door. It will be apparent to thoseskilled in the vehicle field from this disclosure that the imageprojector 30 can be alternatively fixed to the second end 32B of thelight bar 28. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the vehiclefield from this disclosure that the length and location of the light bar28 can vary such that the location of the image projector 30 will alsovary with respect to the underbody 24.

The image projector 30 includes a housing 34 having an emitting portion35 projecting at an angle with respect to the fixed structure 32. Asseen in FIG. 7 , the housing 34 houses a light source L2 thatilluminates the image projected by the image projector 30. In theillustrated embodiment, the light source L2 of the image projector 30 isalso an LED L2. In this disclosure, the light source L2 of the imageprojector 30 will alternatively be referred to as LED L2. The housing 34of the image projector 30 further houses a circuit board PCB thatmechanically supports and electrically connects the light source to anelectric control module ECU of the lighting system (seen in FIG. 8 ).The circuit board PCB can be conventional and include one or more layersof copper laminated onto a non-conductive substrate. Therefore, thecircuit board PCB is electrically connected to the electric controlmodule ECU of the lighting system, as will be further explained below.The circuit board PCB is electrically connected to the LED L2 (i.e., thelight source) of the image projector 30 to regulate electric currenttransferred from the electric control module ECU to the LED L2 of theimage projector 30. The LED L2 of the image projector 30 preferablyemits at least one beam with a wavelength between 15 and 1100 nanometersof visible light.

As seen in FIG. 7 , the image projector 30 includes a lens stack 36 thatis downstream of the LED L2. The lens stack 36 is a set of optics thatare transparent plates with a nanometric surface treatment, such asetchings. The etchings provide a diffuse reflection on one side of theplates but not on the other in order to facilitate the passing ofconsistent light beams in a particular order. In this way, the imageprojector 30 generates the projected image as projected laser light. Theimage projector 30 further includes a protective lens 38 downstream ofthe lens stack 36. The protective lens 38 can include reflectivematerial disposed at a portion of the outer surface of the lens todeflect light that would otherwise be wasted across the underbody 24.The image that is projected can be imprinted onto the surface protectivelens 38. For example, the logo that is to be projected can be painted orimprinted onto the protective lens 38.

Preferably, the image projector 30 includes a lens that is capable ofskewing the projected image to compensate for a mounting angle α of theimage projector 30, best illustrated in FIG. 7 . In the illustratedembodiment, the mounting angle α is the angle between the emittingportion 35 and the fixed structure 32. More specifically, in theillustrated embodiment, the mounting angle α of the image projector 30refers to the angle formed between a reference plane R1 extendingparallel with the longitudinal length of the light bar 28 and a line R2bisecting the image projector 30. The line R2 defines the direction ofthe light beam projected by the LED L2. Preferably, either any of thelenses of the lens stack 36 or the protective lens 38 can compensate forthe mounting angle α. For example, the protective lens 38 can includeangled facet(s) to distribute the light produced by the LED L2 atdifferent desired angles. In this way, the projected image appears notskewed on the second external area A2. Additionally, the projected imagecan be of a desired size.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the electric control module ECU or electriccontrol unit electrically controls the components of the light system12. Specifically, the electric control module ECU electrically controlsthe LEDs L1 of the light bar 28 and the LED L2 of the image projector30. As illustrated, the electric control module ECU is part of the lightassembly 26. The electric control module ECU preferably includes amicrocomputer that includes one or more processor(s) and one or morestorage device(s) (i.e., a computer memory device). The memory is anycomputer storage device or any computer readable medium with the soleexception of a transitory, propagating signal. For example, the memorycan be nonvolatile memory and volatile memory, and can includes a ROM(Read Only Memory) device, a RAM (Random Access Memory) device, a harddisk, a flash drive, etc. The storage device can be any a non-transitorycomputer readable medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) device, a RAM(Random Access Memory) device, a hard disk, a flash drive, etc. Thestorage device is configured to store settings, programs, data,calculations and/or results of the processor(s).

The electric control module ECU is electrically connected to the lightbar 28 and the image projector 30. The electric control module ECUprovides electrical power to both the light bar 28 and the imageprojector 30. The electric control module ECU is electrically connectedto and electrically operates the LEDs L1 and L2 of the light bar 28 andthe image projector 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the electriccontrol module ECU operates with the welcome light electric controlmodule ECU that operates the interior map lights ML and the otherwelcome lights of the vehicle 10. In particular, the electric controlmodule ECU is also configured to provide electrical power to the lightbar 28 and the image projector 30 in concert with the interior maplights ML of the vehicle 10. Thus, the electronic control module canalso be considered to operate welcome lights and the light assembly 26can also be considered welcome lights of the vehicle. In other words,the LED L2 of the image projector 30 and the LEDs L1 of the light bar 28are configured to activate at the same time to illuminate theilluminated area IL. Additionally, the light assembly 26 preferablyactivates at the same time as the interior map lights ML such that theilluminated area IL is illuminated when the interior map lights ML turnON.

As seen in FIG. 8 , once the interior map light comes ON (controlled viathe welcome light control module WCU of the vehicle 10), the electriccontrol module ECU controls the light bar 28 to activate the LEDs L1 andthe LED L2 of the image projector 30. As stated, the power for the lightassembly 26 is supplied by the welcome light control module WCU. Thepower from the welcome light control module WCU provides power both setsof the LEDs L1 and L2 in parallel so they come on in concert or at thesame time. Preferably, the LEDs L1 and L2 of the light assembly 26 areconfigured to turn OFF along with the interior map lights ML after apredetermined time period. Alternatively, the LEDs L1 and L2 of thelight assembly 26 and the interior map lights ML can turn OFFautomatically in concert when the ignition is turned ON.

As stated, in the illustrated embodiment, the LEDs L1 and L2 of thelight assembly 26 and the interior map lights ML are considered welcomelights. In other words, the LEDs of the light bar 28 and the LED of theimage projector 30 are welcome lights that are configured to illuminateupon detecting an activation signal that signifies that the vehicle 10is in the predetermined condition. For example, the vehicle 10 can beequipped with an activation sensor (not shown) that transmits theactivation signal signifying that the predetermined condition has beenhas been met. The activation sensor can transmit the activation signalto either or both of the electric control module ECU or the welcomelight control module WCU. As stated, in the illustrated embodiment, thepredetermined condition can be a condition in which the vehicle 10 hastransitioned from a locked state to an unlocked state. For example, inthe event that the driver unlocks the vehicle 10, the activation sensorcan detect a signal from the driver's key fob to unlock the vehicle 10.The activation sensor can transmit the activation signal to the electriccontrol module ECU, which thereafter activates the LEDs L1 and L2 of thelight assembly 26. The predetermined condition can also be a conditionin which the vehicle is about to be transitioned from the locked stateto the unlocked state. For example, the driver approaches the vehicle 10and the activation sensor detects the presence of the key fob in thevehicle's 10 vicinity. Sensing the key fob in the vicinity means thatthe vehicle 10 is about to be transitioned from the locked state to theunlocked state. In this circumstance, the activation sensor can transmitthe activation signal to the electric control module ECU, whichthereafter activates the lights L1 and L2 of the light assembly 26.

General Interpretation of Terms

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term“comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to beopen ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words havingsimilar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and theirderivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or“element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle part or a plurality of parts. Also as used herein to describe theabove embodiment(s), the following directional terms “forward”,“rearward”, “above”, “downward”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “below” and“transverse” as well as any other similar directional terms refer tothose directions of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle light assembly.Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the present inventionshould be interpreted relative to a vehicle equipped with the vehiclelight assembly.

The term “detect” as used herein to describe an operation or functioncarried out by a component, a section, a device or the like includes acomponent, a section, a device or the like that does not requirephysical detection, but rather includes determining, measuring,modeling, predicting or computing or the like to carry out the operationor function.

The term “configured” as used herein to describe a component, section orpart of a device includes hardware and/or software that is constructedand/or programmed to carry out the desired function.

The terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately”as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modifiedterm such that the end result is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate thepresent invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location ororientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/ordesired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting eachother can have intermediate structures disposed between them. Thefunctions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. Thestructures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in anotherembodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in aparticular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is uniquefrom the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, alsoshould be considered a separate description of further inventions by theapplicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodiedby such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodimentsaccording to the present invention are provided for illustration only,and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle comprising: a light assembly assembledto an underbody of the vehicle, the light assembly having a light barand an image projector, the light bar having a plurality of first lightsources, the image projector having a housing that is fitted to alongitudinal end of the light bar, the housing having a circuit boardand an emitting portion that houses a second light source, the circuitboard being electrically connected to the second light source toregulate electric current to the second light source; and an electriccontrol module that is electrically connected to the light bar and thecircuit board to provide electrical power to both the light bar and theimage projector.
 2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein theelectric control module is further electrically connected to a welcomelight control module of the vehicle that operates a set of interior maplights of the vehicle.
 3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein theinterior map lights are welcome lights configured to illuminate upondetecting an activation signal that signifies that the vehicle is in apredetermined condition, the predetermined condition being at least oneof a condition in which the vehicle has transitioned from a locked stateto an unlocked state, and a condition in which the vehicle is about tobe transitioned from the locked state to the unlocked state.
 4. Thevehicle according to claim 3, wherein the electric control module isconfigured to provide electrical power to the light bar and the imageprojector in concert with the interior map lights of the vehicle.
 5. Thevehicle according to claim 2, wherein the electric control modulecontrols the light bar, the image projector and the welcome lightcontrol module so to illuminate the first light sources, the secondlight source and the interior map lights in concert.
 6. The vehicleaccording to claim 1, further comprising a rocker panel and a rockerpanel trim that is fixedly attached to the rocker panel, the lightassembly being assembled between the rocker panel and the rocker paneltrim.
 7. The vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the light assembly isinstalled to the rocker panel.
 8. The vehicle according to claim 1,wherein the image projector is a logo projector that projects a logo ofthe vehicle.
 9. A vehicle light assembly comprising: a light barconfigured to be assembled to an underbody of a vehicle, the light barhaving a plurality of first light sources extending from the light barat a first angle with respect to the underbody of the vehicle; an imageprojector having a housing that is fitted to a longitudinal end of thelight bar, the housing having a circuit board and an emitting portionthat houses a second light source and a lens stack, the emitting portionextending from the housing at a second angle with respect to theunderbody of the vehicle that is different from the first angle.
 10. Thevehicle light assembly according to claim 9, wherein the housing is madeof plastic and includes a recess for receiving the circuit boardtherein.
 11. The vehicle light assembly according to claim 9, whereinthe image projector is a logo projector that projects a logo of thevehicle.
 12. The vehicle light assembly according to claim 9, whereinthe second light source of the image projector is a light emittingdiode, and each of the plurality of first light sources includes a lightsource that is a light emitting diode.
 13. The vehicle light assemblyaccording to claim 9, further comprising an electric control module thatis electrically connected to the light bar and the image projector toprovide electrical power to both the light bar and the image projector.14. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the electric controlmodule is further electrically connected to a welcome light controlmodule of the vehicle that operates a set of interior map lights of thevehicle.
 15. The vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the interior maplights are welcome lights configured to illuminate upon detecting anactivation signal that signifies that the vehicle is in a predeterminedcondition, the predetermined condition being at least one of a conditionin which the vehicle has transitioned from a locked state to an unlockedstate, and a condition in which the vehicle is about to be transitionedfrom the locked state to the unlocked state.